Bahrain Radio & TV staff went on strike Monday (Aug 4), arguing for better working conditions. Local reports allege that Ahmed Najam, Bahrain Radio & TV’s new CEO, has imposed new policies that have “upset” most of the workers.
“Najim has ordered a reduction in the monthly overtime payment from 60
hours to 30 hours and implemented a rotating system under which no
employee could stay on a post for more than a few months,” quoted the
Khaleej Times.
“The rotating system could not be justified as it shifts workers from
radio to TV and vice versa that could affect their performance as well
as creating a sense of insecurity among them,” said an unnamed source
to the newspaper, while pointing out that the strike would continue
until the BRTC looks into their demands, otherwise mass resignation
would take place.
“According to many of my colleagues, the rotating system was not
studied carefully before its implementation. It does not depend on
qualification and job experience of a worker, thereby creating a
situation where work could be delayed,” the newspaper quoted. “Many
workers feel that the rotating system is part of a plan to tackle
corruption but some of those covered under the system are expected to
retire in few months.”
The newspaper added that the Bahrain TV boss had also cancelled
flexible working previously offered to workers and imposed fixed
timings starting from 7am to 3pm, which caused reduction in employee’s
overtime to 30 hours.
